10 LIVE Observations From NXT TakeOver: New York

1. The Good And The Only Very Slightly Bad Of The Main Event, Part 2

Ciampa Gargano
WWE.com

The final fall of that NXT Championship match wasn't *****; it was ******. I can't immediately recall something as unbelievably and overwhelmingly dramatic. This, and I don't care if it reads as cheesy, because NXT actively sought this ambition, was distilled pro wrestling magic.

Everybody in the arena, even the more reserved members of the WC crew, were going apesh*t.

It was perfectly done in its manipulation and catharsis. The closing sequence invoked the twinned appeal of a phenomenal dynamic. Adam Cole's agonised desperation to prove himself the best manifested as a several incredible facial expressions; Gargano's history of giving everything, giving hell, to the legendary TakeOver stage manifested as a series of astonishing and justified finisher kick-outs.

This match justified and re-elevated the most over-used tropes in modern wrestling, making them feel vital once more. This match orchestrated a quite incredible double turn, not through adaptability but rather a committed and near-perfect conviction in the original story.

That Gargano's win was received in the intended spirit mere hours after thousands of people made a game of saying Adam Cole's name is such a testament to the perfectly-acted story of this match.

Wrestling fans: fickle!

Or, and there is something genuinely wonderful about this as adults in 2019, willing to receive the intended story if performed well enough. Go to a TakeOver, if you have half an opportunity.

What a night.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!